This week's theme is Carole King songs. What might James sing? How might he do? Any thoughts on ideas about what the song might be, the actual performance itself, and the results on Thursday, are lovingly welcomed here. Don't be shy.

I think he could do great with most of Carole's songs, even though they don't really rock. James really needs another ballad again anyway. He needs to tone down the swagger this week and just sit on a stool and sing his heart out, the way he did with WMGGW.

I feel he could do great with a tender, romantic song like "You've Got a Friend" and make everyone fall in love with him this week.

I know he'll be fine this week! But it's good not to get complacent either. Anything can happen!

Do not get complacent...VOTE!! Although at this point, Siobhan had been tanking in her performances (even though a lot of her fans will probably disagree with me) plus she got a lot of hate from Kara and Simon, which ultimately lead to her exit. James hasn't had to worry about either of these things.

Today's the day! Pretty much everyone in the Spoilers thread seems to be thinking Lauren/Scotty, Casey/Haley, and Jacob/James.

...this might seriously be one of the most romantic Idol seasons ever. I'm pretty sure there's something going on between the first two pairings. Doubtful on the third.

And oh boy if those are the pairings! The "Scotty/Lauren are the Final 2" thread will pretty much explode with posts if that's the case, double if they get praised and the others less so. All I know is that we're all pretty much going to have to vote for James like crazy. With it down to six and all, anyone could go. Even Scotty. Even though he still seems invincible to me. But yeah. Vote like crazy, peeps.

I boredly wrote this in the event that those ARE the pairings. No offense to any of the peeps is meant; writing about them actually makes me like them more:

Producer: Hello, contestants! Congratulations for surviving yet another week of musical mediocrity. I'm sure that Stefano's elimination saddened you all, but at least you all are still around to suck---I mean, succeed, in your song choosings.

(cut to the remaining six contestants; James is still wiping away sad tears while the rest look totally bored)

Producer: Ah, yes. Anyway...this week's theme! Well, I put a bunch of themes in a hat and mixed them all up. Scotty, one of our chosen o---I mean, our deep-voiced teenage heartthrob, want to do the honors?

Scotty (eyebrow raised, staring oddly at the producer): ...suuure.

(draws a scrap of paper from the hat, reads the words on it)

Scotty: 'Lauren and Scotty are the final two, Jacob's next'...what, this is a theme?

Producer: Oh, no! My mistake! That was from a bet my friends were making. They've put 25 grand on Lauren winning in the finale.

(Scotty scowls while Jacob grimaces; the producer quickly snatches the piece of paper away from Scotty)

Producer: Okay, go ahead, draw again. (Scotty does so)

Scotty: ...Carole King. Wha?...

Producer: Ah, yes! Carole King week! You all get to sing songs that she wrote!

James (deadpan): Whut.

Casey (worried): Wait, we've gone from 21st century songs to songs from a specific artist?

Producer: Hey, don't complain. We've had Mariah Carey week (at this, Jacob smiles joyfully and James has an expression of woe) and Dolly Parton week (everyone looks fearful) before. before, and those (noticing their expressions of despair) were GOOD weeks. Carole King has written over 200 songs. TWO. HUNDRED! No whining, you sissies!

(Scotty, holding the hat, is looking at other suggestions for themes)

Scotty: Folk week, rock week, country week...all of these are really general. What made you write "Carole King week"?

Producer: Hey, no talking back, or you might find yourself at third place instead of second. Now, I have a SURPRISE for you all!

(Lauren and Scotty look at each other. They hold hands. Romantic music plays in the background. Meanwhile, James slowly looks at the happy couples, then looks at Jacob. The romantic music comes to a slow, grinding halt.)

Jacob (still irritated about the Producer's earlier revelation):...you think I'm any more happy than you are?

UGH...Haley and Casey are singing together!! That means James will probably pair with Jacob!

Ugh! I mean, I like Jacob, but just no. Hey, who knows? Maybe they will pair Lauren and James! I doubt it, but if they want them in the finale, they could, and I could see them paired up before I could see James paired up with Jacob. And that means Scotty and Jacob would be stuck together.

Actually this Casey/Haley duet sounds pretty good. But mostly because of Casey. I could care less about Haley. She sounds fine, but she just gets on my last nerve.